The president of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Joe Healy, is meeting UK farm leaders in London ahead of a crucial Westminster vote on Brexit.

Joe Healy wants to underline common concerns over fears that Britain may 'crash out' of the EU in a no-deal scenario.

He said the Irish and UK food supply chains are deeply integrated.

"While the vote is a matter for the UK parliament, farmers in Ireland and the UK are clear that a 'no deal' outcome would be catastrophic for farmers on the two islands and hugely damaging to the interests of consumers."

"We have grave concerns regarding the dangers of a 'no deal' outcome that would cause massive disruption to the normal trade flows between the two countries, on which farmers greatly depend for their livelihoods.

"I know our colleagues are bringing the maximum pressure to bear on the political system to work for a solution that maintains frictionless trade".

IFA President Joe Healy has arrived in London for a meeting with UK farm organisations ahead of the UK Parliament Brexit vote tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/5igNl1z9GN

— Irish Farmers' Assoc (@IFAmedia) January 14, 2019

Some 37% of Irish food products are exported to the UK, while Ireland imports €4bn of agri-food products from Britain.

"It would be a seismic shock to our system if we don't have full access between EU and the UK, while maintaining the value of the UK food market.

"Irish farming has just as much to lose as farmers in the UK if we find ourselves in a 'no-deal' scenario."

"I believe EU and UK farm leaders have a shared interest in ensuring that the UK, which is an important market for all European farmers, does not pursue policies which will further drive down food prices.

"Importing food and food ingredients from countries with lower production costs and lower standards will undermine the value of the UK food market for EU and UK farmers," Mr Healy said.

"We must send a strong message that a cheap food policy is a race to the bottom which will ultimately lead to the destruction of EU and UK farming and lower quality food for the consumer".